**3.3 Durability and biodegradability**

Studies on the durability of banana pseudo-stem fiber have been carried out at the Center of Study for Natural Fiber and Natural Dyes (CSNFD) at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Concentration Textile Engineering, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). The studies showed that the durability of banana pseudo-stem fiber can stay up to 3 months of storage. However, if the storage period of the fiber is longer than 3 months, the strength of the fiber is considerably decreased.


#### **Table 1.**

*Physical and mechanical properties of some plant fibers [23, 24].*

Furthermore, banana pseudo-stem fibers are biodegradable, and thus can be categorized as environmentally friendly. Banana pseudo-stem fiber can be spun using almost any method of spinning, such as open-end spinning, ring-spinning, bast fiber spinning, and semi-worsted spinning.

The study of biodegradability of the banana pseudo-stem fiber can be done by burying the fiber in the ground. While buried in the ground, the growth of microorganisms plays a major role during the degradation process of fiber cellulose by secretion of enzyme cellulose, which results in the loss of tenacity. Based on the soil burial test, it was found that the banana pseudo-stem fiber loses strength rapidly when buried in the ground. The decrease of tensile strength after soil burial for 3 days is only approximately 21.8%, compared to that of sisal and jute, which is approximately 65.8 and 78%, respectively. Banana pseudo-stem fibers also lose strength and elongation conditions, the loss of fiber strength could be ascribed to the penetration of water molecules in the multicellular lignocellulose fibers. Swelling up of the fibers and, to some extent, loosening of the binding of the ultimate cells result in cell slippage when load is applied. Under wetting conditions, extension of untreated and degummed fibers is reduced by 6 and 11%, respectively.

#### **3.4 Thermal properties**

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is carried out to analyze the heat stability or thermal degradation of banana pseudo-stem fiber. The TGA analyzer records the weight loss as a function of temperature with a resolution of 0.1 mg. The fiber samples (about 3–6 mg) were accurately weighed and randomly distributed in the sample pan. A small amount of sample was used to ensure the uniformity or reproducibility of the TGA result. The following is an example of TGA of banana pseudostem. The thermal degradation of the fiber started at a temperature of 25–700°C in N2 environment at a constant heating rate of 10°C/min. Thermal degradation of the banana pseudo-stem fiber occurred in three stages.

The first stage of degradation was evaporation of moisture at a temperature range of 30–144°C [26]. As the fiber was continuously heated, the weight of the fiber decreased by releasing moisture and some volatile extractives. This is a common phenomenon that occurs in plant fibers, which makes the fibers become more flexible and collapse easily, and increases heat transfer [27]. Nevertheless, the moisture contained in the fiber cannot be completely removed due to structural resistance from the fiber and the hydrophilic nature of the fiber. In this first stage, the weight loss of the fiber was in the range of 5–10 wt%. The second stage was the degradation of hemicellulose. For banana pseudo-stem fiber, the hemicellulose

**55**

**3.5 Chemical properties**

extracted using benzene.

during biological retting.

nents [31]:

**Figure 6.**

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications*

started to decompose at a temperature of approximately 178°C [26]. The lower stability of the hemicellulose is likely due to the presence of acetyl groups, which make the hemicellulose degrade much more quickly than the other components, for example, lignin and cellulose. The third stage was the degradation of cellulose, which occurred at a temperature of approximately 296°C. The last stage (that is, fourth stage) is the decomposition of lignin. Lignin is more difficult to decompose compared to other components. Generally, for any plant fiber, the decomposi-

Nevertheless, for banana pseudo-stem fiber, there was a considerable lignin degradation peak that reached maximum degradation temperature of 501°C [20]. This was a result of broken protolignin bonds present in the fibers. This confirmed that the degradation of lignin happened in a wider range of temperature as compared to other components (e.g., hemicellulose, cellulose, and moisture) [28]. **Figure 6a** shows the TGA curve of banana pseudo-stem fiber. Moreover, **Figure 6b** shows the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram of banana pseudo-stem fiber. According to the literature, the trend of DSC thermogram of the banana pseudostem is quite similar to that of other lignocellulosic fibers. The peak shown in the DSC (approximately 50–150°C) can be attributed to the heat required by the fiber to evaporate the moisture contained in the fiber. The range of temperature is in agreement with the TGA results, in which the first stage of degradation was evaporation of moisture at a temperature range of 30–144°C. Additionally, thermal conductivity

K,

tion of lignin occurred slowly in all ranges of temperature up to 700°C.

*(a) TGA curve and (b) DSC thermogram of banana pseudo-stem fiber [29, 30].*

of banana pseudo-stem fiber is found to be quite low at 0.0253 W/m<sup>2</sup>

which suggests that these fibers could be used as good thermal insulations.

In the past, many researchers were interested in the chemical constituents of plant fibers. It was found that plant fibers contain some of the following compo-

a.Fat and waxes, which are mostly found on the surface of the plants and can be

b.Pectin, which exists in water-soluble form as calcium and magnesium from galacturonic acid. These substances are converted into butyric and acetic acids

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

*Banana Nutrition - Function and Processing Kinetics*

**Density (kg/m3 )**

**Cell L/D ratio**

**Microfibrillar angle (degree)**

80–250 1350 150 10 ± 1 7.7–20.0 54–754 10.35

20–80 1440 450 8–14 34.5–82.5 413–1627 0.8–1

Coir 100–450 1150 35 30–40 4–6 106–175 17–47

Sisal 50–200 1450 100 10–22 9.4–15.8 568–640 3–7 Palmyra 70–1300 1090 43 29–32 4.4–6.1 180–215 7–15

**Initial modulus (GPa)**

**Tensile strength (MPa)**

**Elongation (%)**

**Fibers Width or** 

Banana pseudo-stem

Pineapple leaf

**Table 1.**

**diameter (μm)**

bast fiber spinning, and semi-worsted spinning.

*Physical and mechanical properties of some plant fibers [23, 24].*

banana pseudo-stem fiber occurred in three stages.

**3.4 Thermal properties**

Furthermore, banana pseudo-stem fibers are biodegradable, and thus can be categorized as environmentally friendly. Banana pseudo-stem fiber can be spun using almost any method of spinning, such as open-end spinning, ring-spinning,

The study of biodegradability of the banana pseudo-stem fiber can be done by burying the fiber in the ground. While buried in the ground, the growth of microorganisms plays a major role during the degradation process of fiber cellulose by secretion of enzyme cellulose, which results in the loss of tenacity. Based on the soil burial test, it was found that the banana pseudo-stem fiber loses strength rapidly when buried in the ground. The decrease of tensile strength after soil burial for 3 days is only approximately 21.8%, compared to that of sisal and jute, which is approximately 65.8 and 78%, respectively. Banana pseudo-stem fibers also lose strength and elongation conditions, the loss of fiber strength could be ascribed to the penetration of water molecules in the multicellular lignocellulose fibers. Swelling up of the fibers and, to some extent, loosening of the binding of the ultimate cells result in cell slippage when load is applied. Under wetting conditions, extension of untreated and degummed fibers is reduced by 6 and 11%, respectively.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is carried out to analyze the heat stability or thermal degradation of banana pseudo-stem fiber. The TGA analyzer records the weight loss as a function of temperature with a resolution of 0.1 mg. The fiber samples (about 3–6 mg) were accurately weighed and randomly distributed in the sample pan. A small amount of sample was used to ensure the uniformity or reproducibility of the TGA result. The following is an example of TGA of banana pseudostem. The thermal degradation of the fiber started at a temperature of 25–700°C in N2 environment at a constant heating rate of 10°C/min. Thermal degradation of the

The first stage of degradation was evaporation of moisture at a temperature range of 30–144°C [26]. As the fiber was continuously heated, the weight of the fiber decreased by releasing moisture and some volatile extractives. This is a common phenomenon that occurs in plant fibers, which makes the fibers become more flexible and collapse easily, and increases heat transfer [27]. Nevertheless, the moisture contained in the fiber cannot be completely removed due to structural resistance from the fiber and the hydrophilic nature of the fiber. In this first stage, the weight loss of the fiber was in the range of 5–10 wt%. The second stage was the degradation of hemicellulose. For banana pseudo-stem fiber, the hemicellulose

**54**

**Figure 6.** *(a) TGA curve and (b) DSC thermogram of banana pseudo-stem fiber [29, 30].*

started to decompose at a temperature of approximately 178°C [26]. The lower stability of the hemicellulose is likely due to the presence of acetyl groups, which make the hemicellulose degrade much more quickly than the other components, for example, lignin and cellulose. The third stage was the degradation of cellulose, which occurred at a temperature of approximately 296°C. The last stage (that is, fourth stage) is the decomposition of lignin. Lignin is more difficult to decompose compared to other components. Generally, for any plant fiber, the decomposition of lignin occurred slowly in all ranges of temperature up to 700°C.

Nevertheless, for banana pseudo-stem fiber, there was a considerable lignin degradation peak that reached maximum degradation temperature of 501°C [20]. This was a result of broken protolignin bonds present in the fibers. This confirmed that the degradation of lignin happened in a wider range of temperature as compared to other components (e.g., hemicellulose, cellulose, and moisture) [28]. **Figure 6a** shows the TGA curve of banana pseudo-stem fiber. Moreover, **Figure 6b** shows the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram of banana pseudo-stem fiber. According to the literature, the trend of DSC thermogram of the banana pseudostem is quite similar to that of other lignocellulosic fibers. The peak shown in the DSC (approximately 50–150°C) can be attributed to the heat required by the fiber to evaporate the moisture contained in the fiber. The range of temperature is in agreement with the TGA results, in which the first stage of degradation was evaporation of moisture at a temperature range of 30–144°C. Additionally, thermal conductivity of banana pseudo-stem fiber is found to be quite low at 0.0253 W/m<sup>2</sup> K, which suggests that these fibers could be used as good thermal insulations.

#### **3.5 Chemical properties**

In the past, many researchers were interested in the chemical constituents of plant fibers. It was found that plant fibers contain some of the following components [31]:


**Table 2** shows the composition of constituents of banana pseudo-stem based on different literatures [17]. As shown in both of the tables, the banana pseudo-stem mostly consists of cellulose. Cellulose fiber can be considered as the most available natural, biodegradable, and renewable polymer that can be used in many applications (reinforcing materials, textiles, polymer matrix, and raw materials for paper) [32].

Additionally, there was a method reported in the literature [3] that showed the steps to deconstruct the banana pseudo-stem fiber to know the chemical composition of the fiber. The detailed steps of this method are exhibited in **Figure 7**. Step 1 is the determination of lipo-soluble extractive (LSE) content. Step 2 is determination of water-soluble extract (WSE) content. Step 3 is determination of pectin content. Step 4 is the determination of lignin content. Step 5 is the separation of cellulose-hemicellulose. The details about the determination procedure of these components have been explained in the literature [3].

Several methods can be used to extract cellulose fibers from their biomass sources, which are steam explosion treatment, alkali treatment, enzyme treatment, and liquefaction [24]. The focus of this chapter is the alkali treatment method. The properties of alkali-treated banana pseudo-stem fiber have been studied. The treatment of the fiber with 18% NaOH has enhanced the breaking elongation of fiber. This caustic treatment also resulted in length shrinkage, with the maximum shrinkage found to occur within 20 min of the alkali-treatment, after which there was only very little shrinkage. The length shrinkage has been found to be proportional to the weight loss. The weight loss is mainly due to the removal by caustic treatment of hemicellulose component and other substances. However, with an alkali-treatment, the banana pseudo-stem fiber also experienced a decrease in dynamic modulus. This decrease can be related to structural change caused by alkali treatment. The diameter of the fiber increased by the caustic treatment by 15–100%, which resulted in bundle fiber bulk improvement.


**57**

due to the presence of some functional groups.

groups.

**Figure 7.**

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications*

The main problem to be encountered during wet processing of banana pseudo-stem fiber is the removal of lignin, residual gum, and other cementing materials, which interferes with the absorption property and thus leads to poor scouring, bleaching, and dyeing of the fiber. The exact structure of lignin is not clearly revealed, although it is generally regarded as a three-dimensional polycondensate of dehydrogeneration products of hydroxy and methoxy cinnamyl alcohols. Lignin is mainly composed of methoxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl

*Several steps of chemical deconstruction of banana pseudo-stem fiber [3].*

Additionally, the physico-chemical properties of the banana pseudo-stem fiber were also studied. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is probably one of the most widely used instrumental methods for investigating physico-chemical properties of textile materials. When a sample of organic compound is passed by infrared, certain frequencies are absorbed while others are transmitted through the sample. The IR spectrum is obtained by plotting the percentage of absorbance or percentage transmittance values against the frequencies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the absorption peaks of banana pseudo-stem fiber. **Figure 8a**–**c** shows the FTIR spectrum of untreated, acid-treated, and alkali-treated pseudo-stem banana fiber, respectively. The appearance of absorption peaks was

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

#### **Table 2.**

*Components' composition of banana pseudo-stem (based on different literatures).*

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

#### **Figure 7.**

*Banana Nutrition - Function and Processing Kinetics*

intermingled with cellulose molecules.

of units derived from phenyl propane.

components have been explained in the literature [3].

**Hemicellulose (%)**

**Lignin (%)**

Average 49.33 12.04 13.88 5.23 4.95 12.43

*Components' composition of banana pseudo-stem (based on different literatures).*

 63.20 18.60 5.10 1.40 1.02 10.00 [31] 31.27 14.98 15.07 4.46 8.65 9.74 [33] 63.9 1.3 18.6 10.6 1.5 — [34] 31.26 14.98 15.07 4.45 8.64 9.74 [7] 57 10.33 15.55 — — 20.23 [35]

**Extractives (%)**

**Ash content (%)**

**Moisture content (%)** **Ref.**

f. Ash content.

d.Cellulose, which is the major constituent of the fiber.

c.Hemicelluloses, which are amorphous short-chain polysaccharides and polyuronides. The polysaccharide hemicelluloses are chemically partly linked or

e.Lignin, which is a short-chain isotropic and non-crystalline polymer made up

g.Aqueous extract, which is extracted by boiling the dewaxed fibers in water.

**Table 2** shows the composition of constituents of banana pseudo-stem based on different literatures [17]. As shown in both of the tables, the banana pseudo-stem mostly consists of cellulose. Cellulose fiber can be considered as the most available natural, biodegradable, and renewable polymer that can be used in many applications (reinforcing materials, textiles, polymer matrix, and raw materials for paper) [32]. Additionally, there was a method reported in the literature [3] that showed the steps to deconstruct the banana pseudo-stem fiber to know the chemical composition of the fiber. The detailed steps of this method are exhibited in **Figure 7**. Step 1 is the determination of lipo-soluble extractive (LSE) content. Step 2 is determination of water-soluble extract (WSE) content. Step 3 is determination of pectin content. Step 4 is the determination of lignin content. Step 5 is the separation of cellulose-hemicellulose. The details about the determination procedure of these

Several methods can be used to extract cellulose fibers from their biomass sources, which are steam explosion treatment, alkali treatment, enzyme treatment, and liquefaction [24]. The focus of this chapter is the alkali treatment method. The properties of alkali-treated banana pseudo-stem fiber have been studied. The treatment of the fiber with 18% NaOH has enhanced the breaking elongation of fiber. This caustic treatment also resulted in length shrinkage, with the maximum shrinkage found to occur within 20 min of the alkali-treatment, after which there was only very little shrinkage. The length shrinkage has been found to be proportional to the weight loss. The weight loss is mainly due to the removal by caustic treatment of hemicellulose component and other substances. However, with an alkali-treatment, the banana pseudo-stem fiber also experienced a decrease in dynamic modulus. This decrease can be related to structural change caused by alkali treatment. The diameter of the fiber increased by the caustic treatment by 15–100%, which resulted in bundle fiber bulk improvement.

**56**

**Table 2.**

**Sample Cellulose** 

**(%)**

The main problem to be encountered during wet processing of banana pseudo-stem fiber is the removal of lignin, residual gum, and other cementing materials, which interferes with the absorption property and thus leads to poor scouring, bleaching, and dyeing of the fiber. The exact structure of lignin is not clearly revealed, although it is generally regarded as a three-dimensional polycondensate of dehydrogeneration products of hydroxy and methoxy cinnamyl alcohols. Lignin is mainly composed of methoxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups.

Additionally, the physico-chemical properties of the banana pseudo-stem fiber were also studied. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is probably one of the most widely used instrumental methods for investigating physico-chemical properties of textile materials. When a sample of organic compound is passed by infrared, certain frequencies are absorbed while others are transmitted through the sample. The IR spectrum is obtained by plotting the percentage of absorbance or percentage transmittance values against the frequencies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the absorption peaks of banana pseudo-stem fiber. **Figure 8a**–**c** shows the FTIR spectrum of untreated, acid-treated, and alkali-treated pseudo-stem banana fiber, respectively. The appearance of absorption peaks was due to the presence of some functional groups.

*Several steps of chemical deconstruction of banana pseudo-stem fiber [3].*

**Figure 8.**

*FTIR spectrum of banana pseudo-stem fiber: (a) untreated banana; (b) acid-treated; and (c) alkali-treated.*

#### **3.6 Antibacterial test**

Banana and banana pseudo-stem contain pathogenesis proteins, which possess antimicrobial properties [39]. The antibacterial activity of the banana pseudo-stem fiber can be analyzed using a shake flask test, according to Standard of Textiles Evaluation for antibacterial activity Part 3: Shake flask method, GB/T 20944.3- 2008. Analysis of the effect of banana pseudo-stem fiber physical state on its

**59**

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications*

**Plant fibers Moisture regain (%)** Banana pseudo-stem fiber 9.8–12 Cotton fiber 7.75–9.50 Flax fiber 9.24–10.50 Ramie fiber 6.81–9.80

antibacterial properties can be done as follows. Untreated/raw cotton was used as the control sample, and the antibacterial/treated cotton was used as the test sample. The antimicrobial properties were determined by calculating the bacteriostatic rate

where *Y* is the bacteriostatic rate (%), *Wt* is the average colony-forming unit (CFU) per mm for the flask that contains the control sample after 18 h of contact, and *Qt* is the average CFU/mm for the flask which contains the test sample after 18 h of contact. The extractives' effect on the microbial resistance properties of the banana pseudo-stem fiber can also be investigated. The growth condition of the bacteria in the flasks, which contains the unextrvacted and extracted fiber, is compared. The extractives' effect on the microbial resistance properties is evaluated by calculating the antimicrobial efficiency using Eq. (2). A negative number in the

where *E* is the antimicrobial efficiency (%), *Dt* is the average CFU/mm for the

The microorganisms that can be used for the antibacterial test are *Staphylococcus* 

As previously explained in the beginning, banana pseudo-stem usually becomes

biomass waste once the harvest time of banana fruit is finished. Its disposal has become a major problem due to the amount of the waste. Therefore, researchers have started to extract the fibers and other components from the stem and used them to

flask that contains extracted fiber after 18 h of contact, and *D*0 is the average CFU/mm for the flask containing the untreated banana pseudo-stem fiber after 18 h

*aureus* (gram positive bacteria), *Escherichia coli* (gram negative bacteria), and *Candida albicans* (fungi). Nutrient broth and culture medium (agar) are used for the bacterial growth, whereas for the fungal growth, Sabouraud's culture medium (agar) is used. Additionally, there is a correlation between bacteriostatic rate and moisture regain of the natural fiber. The higher the moisture regain of a natural fiber, the lower the bacteriostatic rate. **Table 3** shows moisture regains (hygroscopicity) of different plant fibers. As seen in the table, the hygroscopicity of the banana pseudostem fiber is the highest among the others, whereas the ramie fiber has the lowest

(1)

(2)

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

calculation result is represented as 0.

**4. Applications of banana pseudo-stem**

using Eq. (1).

*Moisture regain of textile fiber.*

**Table 3.**

of contact [37].

moisture regain.

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*


**Table 3.**

*Banana Nutrition - Function and Processing Kinetics*

**58**

**Figure 8.**

**3.6 Antibacterial test**

*FTIR spectrum of banana pseudo-stem fiber: (a) untreated banana; (b) acid-treated; and (c) alkali-treated.*

Banana and banana pseudo-stem contain pathogenesis proteins, which possess antimicrobial properties [39]. The antibacterial activity of the banana pseudo-stem fiber can be analyzed using a shake flask test, according to Standard of Textiles Evaluation for antibacterial activity Part 3: Shake flask method, GB/T 20944.3- 2008. Analysis of the effect of banana pseudo-stem fiber physical state on its

*Moisture regain of textile fiber.*

antibacterial properties can be done as follows. Untreated/raw cotton was used as the control sample, and the antibacterial/treated cotton was used as the test sample. The antimicrobial properties were determined by calculating the bacteriostatic rate using Eq. (1).

$$Y = \frac{\dot{W\_t} - \dot{Q\_t}}{\dot{W\_t}} \times 100\text{\textdegree\_{\bullet}}\tag{1}$$

where *Y* is the bacteriostatic rate (%), *Wt* is the average colony-forming unit (CFU) per mm for the flask that contains the control sample after 18 h of contact, and *Qt* is the average CFU/mm for the flask which contains the test sample after 18 h of contact. The extractives' effect on the microbial resistance properties of the banana pseudo-stem fiber can also be investigated. The growth condition of the bacteria in the flasks, which contains the unextrvacted and extracted fiber, is compared. The extractives' effect on the microbial resistance properties is evaluated by calculating the antimicrobial efficiency using Eq. (2). A negative number in the calculation result is represented as 0.

$$E = \left(1 - \frac{D\_i}{D\_0}\right) \times 100\% \tag{2}$$

where *E* is the antimicrobial efficiency (%), *Dt* is the average CFU/mm for the flask that contains extracted fiber after 18 h of contact, and *D*0 is the average CFU/mm for the flask containing the untreated banana pseudo-stem fiber after 18 h of contact [37].

The microorganisms that can be used for the antibacterial test are *Staphylococcus aureus* (gram positive bacteria), *Escherichia coli* (gram negative bacteria), and *Candida albicans* (fungi). Nutrient broth and culture medium (agar) are used for the bacterial growth, whereas for the fungal growth, Sabouraud's culture medium (agar) is used. Additionally, there is a correlation between bacteriostatic rate and moisture regain of the natural fiber. The higher the moisture regain of a natural fiber, the lower the bacteriostatic rate. **Table 3** shows moisture regains (hygroscopicity) of different plant fibers. As seen in the table, the hygroscopicity of the banana pseudostem fiber is the highest among the others, whereas the ramie fiber has the lowest moisture regain.

## **4. Applications of banana pseudo-stem**

As previously explained in the beginning, banana pseudo-stem usually becomes biomass waste once the harvest time of banana fruit is finished. Its disposal has become a major problem due to the amount of the waste. Therefore, researchers have started to extract the fibers and other components from the stem and used them to

produce various value-added products. One of the most common banana pseudostem fiber products produced today is rope and cordage. The seawater resistance of the pseudo-stem fiber and its natural buoyancy characteristic have made a market for this fiber in the shipping cable manufacture. This fiber is also used to produce fishing nets, other types of cordage, mats, packaging, sheets, etc. **Figure 9** shows some value-added products made of banana pseudo-stem fiber. Additionally, in the Edo period of Japan (1600–1868), banana pseudo-stem fiber was used to make traditional dresses such as kimono and kamishimo. This fiber is usually used due to its light weight and comfort. Furthermore, banana pseudo-stem fiber is also utilized to produce cushion cover, bag, table cloth, curtain, and others [38]. Additionally, there are some potential uses of banana fibers, such as: to be used as natural absorbent, for production of mushroom, arts/handicrafts, string thread, paper cardboard, tea bag and high-quality textiles/fabric materials, currency note paper, and many other products. The use of banana fiber as natural absorbent also has promising potential to absorb oil spilling in oil refinery. It also can be used as absorbent in colored wastewater from the dyes of textile industry [39, 40]. Banana and banana pseudo-stem contain pathogenesis proteins, which possess antimicrobial properties [39]. The pseudo-stem can also be converted into bio-fertilizer [41]. It also contains high amount of cellulose and starch, and thus it can be utilized as feed for cattle [15]. Moreover, there have been numerous research studies that reported the use of banana pseudo-stem fiber in fabrication of polymer/fiber composites [17, 42].

Cellulosic cotton textile very easily catches flame, and it is very difficult to be extinguished. This problem of course poses a dangerous risk to life of human beings and textile products. Therefore, major efforts have been made in the past years to improve the flame retardancy of the cotton textile material by using many synthetic chemicals, which are available commercially. Phosphorous-based flame retardancy agents together with nitrogen-based compounds are the most effective combination that have been reported so far. However, there are some drawbacks such as high cost

#### **Figure 9.**

*Value-added products made from banana pseudo-stem fiber: (a) banana fiber package; (b) banana fiber mat; (c) banana sheets; and (d) banana fiber textile/shirt.*

**61**

vermi-compost.

the banana pseudo-stem.

**5. Conclusion**

**Figure 10.**

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications*

and not environmentally friendly [43]. Hence, there is a growing trend that focuses on more cost-effective, environmentally friendly methods, and sustainable fireretardant products. Several literature studies have been reported on providing fire retardancy to the cotton textile material by using natural products. One of them is using the waste banana pseudo-stem sap (BPS) [36]. Banana pseudo-stem sap (BPS) is a liquid that is extracted from the banana pseudo-stem. Additionally, there are many more potential applications of banana pseudo-stem components. **Figure 10** shows several value-added products made of components, which are derived from

*Potential applications of components from the banana pseudo-stem.*

Banana plants are considered as one of the world's most useful plants. Almost all of the parts of this plant, for example, fruit, peel, leaf, pseudo-stem, stalk, and inflorescence, can be utilized. The banana fruit itself is one of the most popular fruits that is a valuable commodity all around the world. Nevertheless, banana pseudo-stem usually becomes biomass waste once the harvest time of banana fruit is finished. Therefore, researchers have started to extract the fibers and other components from the stem and used them to produce various value-added products. The fibers from the banana pseudo-stem can be extracted by a decorticator machine. The next processes are retting and degumming of the fibers. The fibers derived from the banana pseudo-stem can be made into several value-added products, such as rope, cordage, fishing net, mat, packaging material, paper sheets, textile fabrics, bag, table cloth, handicrafts, absorbent, polymer/fiber composites, etc. Additionally, other components derived from the banana pseudo-stem can also be used. The central core can be used for making pickle, candy, and soft drink, whereas banana pseudo-stem sap (BPS) can be used for mordant for fixing a color and organic liquid fertilizer, while the scutcher can be used for making compost and

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

*Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: Preparation, Characteristics, and Applications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204*

**Figure 10.** *Potential applications of components from the banana pseudo-stem.*

and not environmentally friendly [43]. Hence, there is a growing trend that focuses on more cost-effective, environmentally friendly methods, and sustainable fireretardant products. Several literature studies have been reported on providing fire retardancy to the cotton textile material by using natural products. One of them is using the waste banana pseudo-stem sap (BPS) [36]. Banana pseudo-stem sap (BPS) is a liquid that is extracted from the banana pseudo-stem. Additionally, there are many more potential applications of banana pseudo-stem components. **Figure 10** shows several value-added products made of components, which are derived from the banana pseudo-stem.
